I had the novel hidden under the desk when I was a kid, too! It's very true, what you point out - the great tragedy of many a teacher is that they actually want to do something good and help these kids in a system viciously opposing that.
It's a shame cause it can be a great class if taught properly, I think. These aren't at all ignorable matters, but if the school system treats it as an unimportant class, it's no wonder kids do too (and go on to do so in adulthood,as well). Thanks for the input! :)